Get involved in Chiswick Park's annual charity fundraiser

Chiswick Park, the West London business park, is set to host its sixth annual Yellow Umbrella Day on Sunday 21 September 2008.

Following the success of the last popular fundraising event, Chiswick Park is once again extending a warm invitation to the local community and guests on the Park for a fun-filled day.

The organisers are encouraging members of the community to register now for the charity fundraising activities. If you would like to compete in one of the events must register beforehand. Registration can be completed online at www.yellowumbrelladay.com .

There is a cake bake contest for local residents to enter. Entries will be judged in three categories – Junior, Teens and Adults. Details of how to enter are on the Yellow Umbrella web site.

This year’s event – sponsored by Schroders and Stanhope, promises to exceed last year’s efforts, with even more exciting attractions planned and three deserving children’s charities – all of which are helping change children’s lives for the better - benefiting from the day.

Central to the day will be special fundraising activities catering for all levels of ability. These include a gentle 5km walk, the ‘mini umbrella’ which should be achievable for most participants. Those with energy to burn and stamina to match may enter the ‘runbrella’, the 10km fun run. Both activities begin and end at Chiswick Park and the circular route along the Thames allows walkers and runners to take in some of Chiswick’s best sights.

But Yellow Umbrella Day is more than just a walk or run - it will be a memorable family day out including many other activities such as live music including two local bands which will be performing on the main stage following Chiswick Park’s recent X-Factor style competition. The winners were alternative soul and funk band, Two Spot Gobi, and pop group, Cushh, who will be joined on stage by U2 Tribute band, Elevation.

Visitors of all ages will be able to take part in a range of activities throughout the day on the Park. There will also be a special prize draw to win a family holiday to Disneyland Paris; an exclusive movie screening for 54 friends in Paramount’s Chiswick Park Cinema; a meal for two at the Union Chiswick; as well as family tickets for a London duck tour, go karting, the London Wetlands Centre, Sealife and many more prizes to give away. There will also be a Cake Bake contest, pony rides, and food stalls all of which will be held on the Chiswick Park events square.

The day provides the perfect opportunity for participants to raise sponsorship money for Yellow Umbrella’s beneficiaries (although donation is optional). This year three exceptionally worthy children’s organisations, (one local, national and international) will profit from Chiswick Park’s efforts. These include the Kids' Cookery School, the Log Cabin and The Shooting Star Trust Children’s Hospice.

Fran Goddard Community Manager at Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work and Manager of Yellow Umbrella Day, said: “Yellow Umbrella Day is about bringing the whole community together and having a great time, while raising money for charity in the process. There really is something for everyone – from those wanting to join in one of the events to those who just want to relax and enjoy the entertainment – and it will all be helping raise money to help change a child’s life.”

August 22, 2008